Culinary Variations of Muenster Cheese
There are three main variations of the Munster cheese- French, German, and American. The French version is considered the best quality among the Muenster, especially the farmhouse produce, which has a superior flavor and smell than the industrial variant.
The cheese produced by the farmhouse is given the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Certification. Munster-Géromé a French version of Muenster has anise seeds in the cheese.
Buying
Muenster cheese is readily available at many grocery stores all across the U.S. It is pale yellow with orange rind, washed rind cheese. Classical French Munster has a strongly aromatic and tangy taste.
While buying, look for the nomenclature- the name of the food is ‘muenster cheese’, and the label declaration – reading production date, packing, and “use by” date.
The US-FDA recommends that Muenster cheese should have 48.0% moisture by weight and 50.0% fat by weight of the solids.
Storing
Similarly to other soft cheeses, Muenster cheese also has a high moisture content and should be refrigerated to prolong its shelf-life, ideally at 35-40°F in a refrigerator drawer. Once opened, wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap before returning it to the refrigerator.
An opened block of Muenster can last for 3 to 4 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.
If mold develops on a block of Muenster, it’s advised to cut away at least 1 inch around the affected area, then re-wrap and store the cheese appropriately.
If mold appears in a package of shredded or sliced cheese, it’s best to discard the affected portion.
Food uses
Muenster is a kind of washed rind cheese, usually eaten as a table cheese with wine and fruits. Since Muenster cheese has a characteristically low melting point, in a way similar to Colby and Monterey Jack, it is preferred in grilling and in snacks and salads.
Here are some serving tips:
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Enjoy muenster cheese as a snack or as an appetizer before dinner with beer or wine.
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Muenster melts easily in the recipes. It is used in grilled dishes such as sandwiches cheeseburgers, and pizza toppings.
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It is the best-suited cheese in the classic mac (macaroni) and cheese recipe.
Safety profile
Muenster cheese is known for its high content of saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt, making it a rich but potentially unhealthy dairy option.
An excessive intake of sodium can lead to water retention and elevated blood pressure.
With approximately 19.1g of saturated fats and 96 mg of cholesterol per 3.5 oz serving (32% of the Daily Value), Muenster cheese ranks among the top sources of saturated fats and cholesterol. Saturated fats contribute to an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, thereby raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.
For individuals following a diet plan, low-fat or fat-free varieties of processed cheese may be a preferable option.
(Medical Disclaimer: The information and reference guides on this website are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.)
Also read ≻≻-
≻≻- Cheddar cheese nutrition facts.
≻≻- Cottage cheese nutrition facts.
≻≻- American Cream cheese nutrition facts.
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Further Resources:
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USDA National Nutrient Database. (opens in new window).
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21 CFR – Muenster and Munster cheese Cornell Law School. (opens in new window).
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Cheeseforum.org. (opens in new window).